Feds: Horse operation was a front for cartel cash

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Federal prosecutors say they have broken up a major money-laundering operation at an Oklahoma ranch and a New Mexico quarter-horse race track connected to one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels.

An indictment unsealed Tuesday alleges a key member of a Mexican drug ring laundered money through horse operations in the southwestern United States. Federal agents conducted raids early Tuesday south of Oklahoma City and at the Ruidoso Downs horse track in New Mexico.

According to prosecutors, seven of the 14 people indicted have been arrested, including Jose Trevino-Morales, the younger brother of the second-in-command of the Zetas drug cartel. Another Trevino brother was also charged.

The indictment says the organization generated millions of dollars and that proceeds were used to buy, train, breed and race American quarter-horses.